Face in the crowd: D.J. Bryant

Last season: He was an all-conference defensive end at James Madison, leading the team with 13 tackles for losses and seven sacks.

Why signed: The Texans liked his intelligence coming in and he has picked things up as rapidly as any rookie, the coaches say. It showed Saturday night when he registered a sack against the Panthers.

Prospects: Like any free-agent rookie, the odds don’t favor him making it, but he has kept himself in the conversation. That final preseason game against Minnesota could be huge for him if he continues to progress.